Gwyneth Paltrow, the renowned actress and wellness entrepreneur, recently shared the amusing origin story of her controversial candle, “Smells Like My Vagina,” during an episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast hosted by Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky, and Kristin Batalucco. Paltrow admitted that the candle’s name initially emerged from a light-hearted joke, rather than a serious branding concept.
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At 53, Paltrow explained her sense of humour, describing it as “bawdy” and asserting that many people are unaware of this more playful side of her personality. The revelation came as she discussed her work developing fragrances for her lifestyle brand, Goop. Paltrow collaborated with perfumer Douglas Little to create distinctive scents, experimenting with unconventional notes such as tomato leaf and seaweed.
During one of these creative sessions, she jokingly remarked that a particular scent “smells like my vagina.” However, it turned out that Little took her jest to heart and proceeded to create the candle based on her quip. To Paltrow’s surprise, Goop purchased the candle and began selling it.
In a conversation with Lil Dicky, whose real name is David Andrew Burd, Paltrow clarified, “So the truth is it doesn’t smell like your vagina. It was just a joke?” Paltrow affirmed his statement, indicating that the entire concept began without any expectation of serious consequence.
The candle, now available through Heretic Parfum’s website, is officially described as a “tart, sultry, and sophisticated” scent, featuring notes of cedar, bergamot, ambrette seed, and damask rose. Despite the provocative name, it resonated with a broad audience upon its initial release in early 2020, quickly becoming a bestseller and selling out on the Goop website.
Reactions to the candle have been decidedly mixed. While some have embraced its unabashed boldness, others, such as celebrity Martha Stewart, have openly expressed their disdain. Stewart remarked that she “wouldn’t buy” such a product, illustrating the polarised opinions it has garnered.
The humorous yet daring notion behind “Smells Like My Vagina” did not stop at a single product. Paltrow later expanded the candle line to include cheekily named variants like “This Smells Like My Orgasm” and “This Smells Like My Prenup,” further solidifying Goop’s reputation for pushing boundaries within the wellness and lifestyle market.
In 2023, Paltrow revisited the initial public discourse surrounding the candle, defending its name as a “really strong feminist statement.” Her remarks suggest that beyond the initial jest, Paltrow hopes to position the product within a broader dialogue about women’s empowerment and self-expression.
Navigating both praise and criticism, Paltrow’s foray into the world of sensual candles underscores a cultural moment that embraces humour and assertiveness within women’s wellness. As the conversation around self-acceptance and sexual empowerment continues to evolve, her candle serves as a catalyst, sparking discussions that some may find provocative but others see as liberating.
The legacy of “Smells Like My Vagina” is not merely about selling candles; it has prompted a wider exploration of societal norms regarding femininity and the experiences of women. Ultimately, Paltrow’s cheeky creation offers both a fragrant product and a bold statement, an unconventional intersection of humour and personal assertion in today’s wellness culture.